This week’s column features a double dose of the blues: the Briggs Farm Blues Festival, Briggsville, Pennsylvania (July 9-11, 2026) and the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival, Winthrop, Washington (July 17-19, 2026).
These two fests have become staples for the column. While ND photographer Jim Gavenus was unable to attend the Briggs fest this year, newcomer Chad Casterline shares some photos with us.
Frequent ND photographer Peter Dervin again reports on Winthrop, a fest he’s attended, on and off, for the past 17 years. Additionally, Peter has served as an official festival photographer, and has won the Washington Festivals and Events Association's photo awards in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival 2026, by Peter Dervin
Known as the #bestlittlefest in the Pacific Northwest, this year the fest celebrated its 39th edition in the beautiful community of Winthrop, Washington along the banks of the Methow River. It was a nice mix of new artists and returning favorites.
Jo Miller & Her Burly Roughnecks brought some rootsy swing to the stage to the delight of the crowd. Miller has been a part of the Seattle music scene for over 30 years, most notably for her 1990s band Ranch Romance.
